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Post by 3piggles on Feb 25, 2015 17:52:03 GMT
I've said that to so many guinea pig owners. Give the pigs the whole room, and they will use it. They will play, explore, challenge themselves, etc. There is no such thing as too much space, or too much to do. I really think, if we have the space and the money, our imagination is the limit to what we can create for them Mine gang is getting old. No zoomies in quite in a while. I hope to get some youngsters, next time, as we might have to do more of an up/down cage if our floor space is restricted. As you said, the set up you have is so much better than anything they had before. It gives them a secure place to hide/sleep, and a secure place to graze, frolic and get some fresh air
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Post by jolovespiggies on Feb 25, 2015 19:02:42 GMT
I agree with you huney, our piggies have a very spacious run but I would prefer them to be free. The trouble is there are so many places they could get to where it would be difficult to get them out again. Also I am clumsy and will probably trip over the little loves.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by Bean on Feb 25, 2015 20:53:46 GMT
When we had our pigs free roaming, they were always following me round and getting under my feet, so I'm sure you're right that they'd sneak up on you, Jo! We were used to them but always kept them in when other people were round. When we next got pigs, we had kids too, so it definitely wasn't a good arrangement for them then either. Plus we had a carpeted living room and I prefer it when it's a wipe clean floor like varnished wood or laminate. I've had pigs be toilet trained, but there are always those moments they get distracted...
With these boys I've had to put a run out in the living room with a rug under it (in nice weather they just go outside) - I used to let them free roam but Josh in particular is terrible for scent marking. I thought it might pass as I've never had a pig do it as often or consistently, but it didn't and I prefer he does it on something I can wash!
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Post by 3piggles on Feb 26, 2015 16:59:31 GMT
I've had pigs that scent marked the cage just the way they needed it, and get out for floor time, and all that scent marking was gone. Not living in the floor space, they just mark everything. Momo is doing that, while Morty and Mia aren't. When I had free rangers, I had them in the extra bedroom that was also my office. They did go out in the hall, especially to follow me to the bathroom, and line up in the doorway (I don't close the door if I'm home alone). Otherwise, they stayed in the bedroom. I hope to have wood floors in laminate, at my next house. It is so much easier to keep clean, and I need that. The pigs will be able to have real floor time, too, though they won't be roaming all over the house. I want space to set up the mazes and different floor time activities I've had in the past. With the Momo issue, this bunch can't play together, which is sad. I can understand the problem of turning around and falling over them, especially in the kitchen. Jo and I aren't able to handle that anymore, but luckily I have enough grids to keep them out of the kitchen
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Post by jolovespiggies on Feb 26, 2015 19:16:10 GMT
What two lovely messages ladies, I wish could do it but our house is tiny. I also have trouble picking little things up because of my condition but I think it is a great idea and would love to let them have the run of the place. As you say Piggles love, I tend to fall and lose my balance so that would be another thing I would worry about.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by Bean on Feb 27, 2015 9:11:20 GMT
I think you have to have quite a specific set of circumstances for free range animals to work! Like you, our house is pretty small, Jo, (at least for four of us) but it'd be nice for the animals to have their own room if we did have the space. But then again, I think the pigs get a lot from being in our living room as there's often someone about to pester for attention or snacks!
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Post by 3piggles on Feb 27, 2015 15:34:51 GMT
I agree about the pigs getting a lot from sharing space with the family. When the pigs were in my office, I was in there for several hours a day. Now they are in the family room, and I'm there several hours a day. I also leave the TV running, so they hear human voices. I radio is great, too. Most of us lead busy enough lives that, if the pigs aren't where we are, they tend to get forgotten. It's not enough to clean the cage and make sure they have the food and water they need.
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Post by Bean on Feb 27, 2015 17:12:29 GMT
It's true. I always have a photo of whichever rabbits we have as the background on my laptop. In summer we're out in the garden as much (if not more) as we're in the house, but in winter it's a nice reminder that they're there and will always appreciate a little visit for a stroke, bit of grass/ bramble or a change of toy. It definitely prompts me when I'm in the house but busy working or getting house jobs done.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Feb 27, 2015 19:31:32 GMT
There are some terrific runs which members have showed to us on Happy Hoppers Forum, but you do need space and a bit of money to say the least. My Holly is free all the time, she doesn't know what a hutch is.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by Bean on Feb 28, 2015 8:51:28 GMT
That's great Jo, I bet she loves having all that space and to be able to interact with you all the time.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Feb 28, 2015 19:05:48 GMT
She does Bean love, she is a treasure but a bit of a diiva to. She gets away with everything because neither of us can get cross with her LOL!! She sleeps on my bed at night too. Thank you for your interest hun.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Feb 28, 2015 19:56:53 GMT
That's a great idea, Bean. I wish more people would think to give themselves such reminders. Sad how many outdoor pets get ignored too much of the time. Jo, I'm glad she has free run of the house A true house bunny
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Post by jolovespiggies on Mar 1, 2015 18:54:23 GMT
She certainly does love and she is definitely the boss LOL!!
Hugs JO xx
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Post by Bean on Mar 2, 2015 10:36:07 GMT
Oooh a rabbit sleeping on your bed - I'm envious and I bet it makes Holly feel like she is king of the world!
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Post by 3piggles on Mar 2, 2015 15:55:01 GMT
I know, but our bed was always covered with cats, lol Eventually there would be no room for us
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Post by jolovespiggies on Mar 2, 2015 18:59:30 GMT
Yes she does Bean love, she is a total Diva and bosses all of us around. She doesn't like anyone else on the bed. If I put clothes on there or coat hangers, she throws them off LOL! Yes Piggles love, kitty also sleeps there when he can get away with it LOL!!
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Post by Bean on Mar 9, 2015 9:18:27 GMT
Haha! I love the image of her tossing stuff off the bed! Hope she doesn't manage to shoehorn you off onto the floor in the middle of the night?!
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Post by 3piggles on Mar 9, 2015 18:00:45 GMT
I'm a very active sleeper, and although the cats tried to sleep by my feet, they all ended up sleeping on hubbys feet Anyway, 5 cats took up an awful lot of room on the bed The buns were never interested in staying in the house. They were quite happy living under the kitchen porch. They didn't have to account to anyone about the whereabouts
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Post by jolovespiggies on Mar 9, 2015 19:08:28 GMT
To move me off the bed Bean hun, she would need a crane or a block and tackle LOL!! Yes it is amusing to watch and she is stroppy when she does it too, we see some real bunny temper. I have had kitties sleep on the bed too Piggles love, but she won't let Felix join us Ha ha yes, kitties can sneak off and be naughty without their mum knowing where they are LOL Hugs JO xx
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Post by Bean on Sept 1, 2015 12:57:53 GMT
Looks like I've been a bit slack on keeping this thread updated and have missed out a couple of pairs, but our current foster buns are Rupert and Betsy who are so lovely. They're both pretty chilled out and friendly - Rupert is a little sweetie and Betsy is hilarious, she's really playful and likes to be involved in everything (kind of like Josh!). Cleaning out the hutch and run can take ages as she constantly jumps in to boxes of bedding and moves everything round as you're setting it up! Rupert Betsy
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